Donella Rae Drake was born on February 13, 1931 near Mount Ayr. Her parents were Ray and Hazel Middleton. She graduated from Mount Ayr Community High School in 1950.

On March 17, 1952 Donella was united in marriage to Linden Drake in a little church in South Carolina. They lived on a farm east of Mount Ayr. In 1955 Donella and Linden had two twin sons, Rodney and Randy. Rodney passed away at birth.

Donella went to college in 1970 and majored in Art and Elementary Ed. In 1974 she started teaching art and taught for 19 years.

Donella was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, and mother. She took care of Linden and Hazel when they were ill for several years. She was baptized in the Community of Christ Church when she was a young girl and was a very devoted member all her life.

Donella loved to paint, she loved to read, and she loved her animals, especially one cat named Muffy who slept on her bed every night. She was a very loving, compassionate woman who would do anything for anybody.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son Randy; sisters-in-law Mildred Johnston of Urbandale, Mildred “Mickey” Drake of Mount Ayr and Evelyn Bourhill of Dalles, Oregon; a host of wonderful nephews and nieces; other relatives and friends.